26 years, and counting. Chelsea maintained their unbeaten run against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge with a brilliant 2-1 victory. Though the Blues conceded for the first time in 6 matches, they were able to get back into the game and win it.
Here are the player ratings from the match:
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois - 8/10
There is no way he can be blamed for the goal Chelsea conceded. Courtois managed to keep Spurs at bay with some brilliant saves when shots were fired towards goal. His positioning, punching, and collection of the ball has to be commended.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 7.5/10
Was troubled a lot by Son and Alli at the start of the game but once he got his feet, he was solid. Made some brilliant interceptions and was never allowing Spurs to get a ball into the box from the left wing.
David Luiz - 7/10
Shaky start but like others, he too was able to keep Harry Kane quiet after the first 20 minutes. Cleared all the crosses that came into the box and had full control of the defence.
Gary Cahill - 7.5/10
Captain fantastic. Can't point out a mistake he made in today's match but there were a lot of occasions when the winger and full-back got past him. He was supposed to cover up for David Luiz when Eriksen scored but that happened so quick, it was almost impossible.
Victor Moses - 8/10
Scored the winner and was on top of his game today as well. Rejuvenated under Conte, Moses is finally showing what he's worthy of. Is this what Roberto Di Matteo saw in him?
N’golo Kante - 8/10
Apart from the first 25-30 minutes, it was a brilliant performance by the Frenchman. He was in control of the midfield in the 2nd half and was to be found everywhere Chelsea wanted him.
Nemanja Matic - 8.5/10
When Chelsea were not able to do anything in the first half, it was Matic who stepped up and brought them back into the game. Fought hard with Dembele and Wanyama to get the ball and was the assist provider for Pedro's goal.
Marcos Alonso - 7.5/10
Missed a great chance in the 2nd half to make it 3-1 to Chelsea. Made up for it by making some inviting crosses and defending well. Lucky that the miss didn't come back to haunt him.
Pedro - 9/10
Man of the match. He just never stopped running today. Scored a stunner just before half time to bring Chelsea back into the game and was instrumental in Chelsea's dominance in the 2nd half.
Eden Hazard - 8/10
He is back to his best once again, and the commentators just can't stop praising him. He's been consistent this season and even though he did not provide an assist or score a goal today, he gave Walker a run for his money and made things difficult at the back for the ever so solid, Spurs.
Diego Costa - 8/10
Could not score today, but he did assist. The Chelsea striker is a new man this season altogether. He's calm and does not jump into tackles and fights. Dived around initially but then got himself together and played well.
Substitutes:
Willian - 6/10
Got booked despite coming on only in the 77th minute. Almost got into a fight with Nkoudou, just like he did with Danny Rose last season.
Branislav Ivanovic - 6/10
Come on for Moses and was easy run around by Nkoudou more than once. The Serbian has lost it, and it's pretty clear now that this will be his last season at Stamford Bridge.
Oscar – N/A
Came on late and made no significant impact.
Hugo Lloris - 6/10
Harsh to blame him for either of the goals. The first one was unstoppable while the 2nd one, he got a touch but it bounced off Vertonghen and went in. His defense let him down today.
Kyle Walker - 5.5/10
Walker, one of the key players responsible for Tottenham's dominant start, faded away once Hazard got hold of the ball. Was run past easily by Hazard the Alonso and was not able to get Costa off the ball when he assisted the winner.
Eric Dier - 5/10
Was on the toes of Diego Costa all the time but was still wasn't able to keep him quiet throughout the match. Should have closed down Pedro when he was going to take the shot towards goal but was sloppy.
Jan Vertonghen - 6/10
Tottenham's best defender tonight. Managed to keep Costa on his toes and was vital to Tottenham not conceding more. Made some good interceptions and played a few good long balls.
Kevin Wimmer - 5/10
Wimmer uncomfortable in the left-back position and wasn't able to keep Moses and Pedro quiet. His error, or rather him being out of position made it easy for Moses to score the winner.
Victor Wanyama - 6.5/10
Dominated the midfield in the first half but was not able to do anything in the 2nd. Kept losing the ball to Kante and Matic who were on his back all the time.
Moussa Dembele - 7/10
Tottenham's best player tonight. Got booked early in the game but kept his composure and managed to dominate the midfield.
Christian Eriksen - 7/10
WHAT A STRIKE! He finally managed to break through the Chelsea wall, but it just could not be the winner for his team. But that was just about it.
Dele Alli - 5/10
Alli was awful today. Had a great chance to equalise late in the 2nd half but sent his shot back to White Hart Lane.
Son Heung-Min - 4.5/10
The worst player on the pitch today. Was not able to do anything with the ball. He just could not get anything right today.
Harry Kane - 5.5/10
David Luiz had him under control all the time. Scored early in the first half but was rightly ruled out because he was offside. Offered nothing significant in the 2nd half.
Substitutes
Georges-Kevin N'Koudou - 6/10
Tried to get an equaliser for Spurs but lacked support. Eased past Ivanovic and Azpilicueta once but shot on goal from a tight angle rather than crossing it in.
Harry Winks - 6/10
More than attacking, it was his heroics inside the Spurs penalty box that caught the eye. He made sure that the scoreline remained 2-1 when Diego Costa put the ball through to Oscar, who was unmarked inside the box.
Vincent Janssen - N/A
Made no significant impact after coming on.
